The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-25
NO MORE POLICE POLICY.
The State officers Appoint a Board
That Will Enforce All the Laws.
John B. Elan. Col. N. R. Ruckle and William
Henderson Elected as the New Metropoli-
tan COmmiSsioners-What They Say.

The expected change in the Board OF Metro
politan Police Commissioners was made yester-
day. After conference among themselves. the
Republican State officers, comprising majority
of the State police board called at the Governors
Office and expressed desire that he should at
once join them in session for the
purpose of transacting important bust
ness. The Governor consented, and the
meeting was held in his Office. He was elected
president of the board Before entering upon
the business of the session, he stated he under
stood that the removal of the Indianapolis com
missioners was contemplated. eff this change.
he said sis for the purpose of getting control OF
the police, so that they may be
used about the Senate in the interest
Of Colonel Robertson. for partisan
or political purposes, / notify you now
that l shall resist them with the militia of the
State The Republicans all stated that the
idea of making any such use of the police had
never entered their heads, and that the change
was to be made solely for the reason
that the people desired commissioners
who would enforce the laws. 1t was
then moved that the three commissioners
should be declared deposed from office no
reason for their removal being assigned This
motion was adopted the Governor alone voting
in the negative Col. n. r. Ruckle and John b.
Elan then proposed as the Republican
members of the board, and we're elected, the
Governor voting against them. AS the Demo
cratic commissioner. VIM. Henderson was pro-
posed and elected The Governor voted against
him. claiming that it was his right to name
the Democratic member. and that he desired to
continue Mr. Pendleton on the board He said
that the Democrats had accorded TO Governor
Porter the right TO name the Republican mem
Der, but it was shown that he was mistaken
about this, the Democrats having themselves
selected the Republican member. He then de-
cllned to act as president OF the board. and the
session ended
The appointments gave satisfaction to the po-
lice force and there were expressions last even
ing from many of them that it would prove to be
the best board the city ever had. THAT is q
the the officers. I'VE viii i'll always know
where to find them We will know
been trying to follow the dictates Of board
that we couldn't understand that our places
have become burdens to US. think the citizens
of Indianapolis should congratulate themselves
| upon the selection Of a board composed of such
men,"
There seems to be but little doubt that all the
| three gentlemen will accept The appoint
| ment took me by surprise" said John B. Elan
| prepared to say whether I shall accept or
| not. l do not desire the place
and do not see how can afford
| to take it, but if there seems to be demand
| that should take it, l may | can give def
| mite answer until tomorrow. As TO my policy,
| if do take the place. there is nothing to be said
/ The duty of a commissioner is plain, and shall
| perform mine"
| Col. N. r. Ruckle was told of his appointment
/ by a journal reporter. Said he: ''Iwas not ex-
| pectng the place. In fact do not desire it at
/ all, but as l have been selected, shall serve "
do you want to say anything about your pol
| icvl"
| sThere is nothing that can be said about pol
| icy. There has been too much said about the
| policy of commissioner. The law plainly pre-
| scribes what commissioners duties are, and we
can't change it. 1t is our duty to that the
laws are enforced, and shall do just what the
| law says."
William Henderson, VINO did not seek the
| place, and really recommended William Wesley
| Woolen, was enter tanning party of friends at
| supper, at his residence, when reporter called.
| II have heard a rumor the street." he said.
| that was selected one OF the board, but
did rot think it was true. / am disappointed,
| because was for another man. / do not desire
the place at all, and do not want it"
you will take it. thought
you may say that if Mr.. Elan will accept
| will"
| What about your policyg'
II have only policy, and that is to see
| every law on the statute books enforced"
There Is considerable speculation as to who
| will be made superintendent The members of
| the new board, of course, had nothing to say on
| this point The new board will probably meet
| this afternoon for organization and, perhaps,
| the election of a superintendent. The reor-
ganization of the force will shortly follow.